Columbian College of Arts and Sciences
Strategic Communications
Shape your business communications with data-informed insights.
Start date
To be confirmed
Course duration
8 weeks
Excluding orientation
Language
English
Access resources from start date
Effort
6–8 hours per week
Self-paced learning online
Course overview
The amount of communication leaders who believe their staff don’t have the right set of skills to meet organizational demands.
Gartner (2020).
Among the 2019 top priorities for communication leaders was content strategy, message management and overcoming digital communication challenges.
Gartner (Jan, 2019).
Duration: 8 weeks (excluding orientation)
Digital disruption has had a two-fold effect on the way organizations communicate. While it has made communication more complex, it has also highlighted the value of effective communicators.1
The Strategic Communications online short course will equip you with the skills needed to drive consumer behavior through influential messaging. You’ll explore how data can be used to inform your media strategies and address the needs of multiple stakeholders, as well as prepare for any potential risks associated with omnichannel messaging. Learn how to pick the appropriate medium for your message and audience, and approach engagement from a problem-solving angle to ensure your brand stands out in a crowded digital landscape.
1 The Holmes Report (May, 2019).Is this course for you?
This course is designed for media and communications professionals who recognize that strategic communication is the key differentiator in creating a competitive advantage. It’s aimed at those looking to set themselves apart in their organization by taking the lead in corporate communications, reputation management or public relations, as well as those who want to stay abreast of the communication skills required in the modern workplace. Managers and professionals in marketing and advertising will benefit from learning to identify the channels for leveraging data-formed insights to successfully improve their brand messaging and better interact with relevant stakeholders. The practical skills taught in this course will ensure that you can effectively align your communication strategies with business objectives.
Course overview
Introduction
Duration: 8 weeks (excluding orientation)
Digital disruption has had a two-fold effect on the way organizations communicate. While it has made communication more complex, it has also highlighted the value of effective communicators.1
The Strategic Communications online short course will equip you with the skills needed to drive consumer behavior through influential messaging. You’ll explore how data can be used to inform your media strategies and address the needs of multiple stakeholders, as well as prepare for any potential risks associated with omnichannel messaging. Learn how to pick the appropriate medium for your message and audience, and approach engagement from a problem-solving angle to ensure your brand stands out in a crowded digital landscape.
1 The Holmes Report (May, 2019).Is this course for you?
This course is designed for media and communications professionals who recognize that strategic communication is the key differentiator in creating a competitive advantage. It’s aimed at those looking to set themselves apart in their organization by taking the lead in corporate communications, reputation management or public relations, as well as those who want to stay abreast of the communication skills required in the modern workplace. Managers and professionals in marketing and advertising will benefit from learning to identify the channels for leveraging data-formed insights to successfully improve their brand messaging and better interact with relevant stakeholders. The practical skills taught in this course will ensure that you can effectively align your communication strategies with business objectives.
What will set you apart
A practical communication plan that you can implement into your business immediately.
Internal and external stakeholders communication strategies that are persuasive and influential.
The skills to enhance your writing, presenting and visual communication.
The ability to use data-driven insights for more effective communication strategies.Course curriculum
Orientation module
Welcome to your Online Campus
Module 1
Communication goals and audiences
Module 2
Persuasion and influence
Module 3
Framing and agenda-setting
Module 4
Media strategies
Module 5
Reputation and crisis management
Module 6
Data-driven insights for communication
Module 7
Strategic visual communication
Module 8
Compiling a strategic communication plan
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Faculty Directors
Peter Lodge
Associate Professor, The George Washington University
David Karpf
Associate Professor, The George Washington University
About the certificate
Study strategic communications and earn an official certificate of completion from the George Washington University.
Assessment is continuous and based on a series of practical assignments completed online. In order to be issued with a certificate, you’ll need to meet the requirements outlined in the course handbook. The handbook will be made available to you as soon as you begin the course.
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Want to know more?
Why choose GetSmarter?
GetSmarter, a 2U, Inc. brand, is an online learning expert with over 10 years' experience in developing high-quality online short courses from the world’s leading universities. We deliver market-led courses that equip working professionals with the expertise required for the workplace of the future. Through a data-driven approach, we analyze future skills requirements and ensure all courses address this need.
Students are supported at every stage of the learning journey, enabling them to thrive professionally through increased relevance, competence, and confidence. Find out more about GetSmarter’s approach to digital learning, course design, and online delivery here.
Payment options
You can pay your course fees before the course starts, or you may opt for a split payment plan on courses that are nine weeks and shorter. For courses 10 weeks and longer, there is a three-part payment plan available. To find out more about payment options please visit our Payment and Financing FAQ, or contact an Enrollment Adviser, to find out which option you qualify for.
Manage your time
GetSmarter's learning model is designed to help you, as a working professional, improve your skills without compromising on work and family responsibilities. The course work is broken up into weekly, manageable bite-sized modules, with incremental deadlines, designed to help you pace yourself over the duration of the course and allow you the legroom to work when it suits you best.
At the beginning of each module you'll be presented with the course content and assignments necessary for completion. You also have access to your Success Adviser who will help you manage your time, and support you with any administrative or technical queries you might have.
Seek employer assistance
By improving your skills and industry knowledge, you'll have an influence on the success of your organization. Why wouldn't you ask your boss to help you fund your studies if it's going to have an impact on the way you do business?
Of our past students, 37 percent have received financial assistance from their employers. You can ask for help, too. Here is a guide to show you how to request financial assistance from your employer.
If you are a Learning & Development (L&D) manager, or involved in training and upskilling for an organization, you can request information regarding our corporate offering on our GetSmarter for business page.
How to change your start date
As part of our commitment to your professional development, GetSmarter offers you a two-week period to change your course start date or request your money back if you’re not fully satisfied.
To qualify for a deferral of your course start date, or to cancel your enrollment and receive a refund of your course fee, your request would need to reach our Success Advisers before the release of Module 2. For more information, please read our Terms and Conditions.
Discover the Online Campus
The Online Campus will be your virtual classroom for the duration of your course. Through its easy-to-use interface you'll have access to a diverse variety of course content formats including: interactive videos, module notes, practice quizzes, presentations, assignment briefs, and additional web resources.
On the Online Campus, you'll also be able to ask questions and interact with your fellow students and teaching team through the discussion forums. If you are looking for your Online Campus login, please see the list of university partner login pages here.
